LONDON: The UK government has announced plans to prohibit children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms, marking one of the most significant digital safety measures proposed in the country.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the government intends to introduce restrictions preventing under-16s from using social media services, arguing that a complete ban for children in this age group is the most appropriate course of action.
The proposal follows a public consultation launched by the government last month to examine ways of limiting young people’s access to social media and related digital devices. Officials say the initiative is aimed at protecting children’s mental health, improving educational outcomes and reducing excessive screen time.
According to government officials, the proposed policy seeks to encourage healthier lifestyles among young people by shifting their focus away from mobile phones, tablets and laptops and toward education, physical activity and social interaction.
Supporters of the move argue that growing concerns about online safety, cyberbullying, harmful content and social media addiction have highlighted the need for stronger protections for children. They say stricter age-based restrictions could help create a safer digital environment for young users.
However, the proposal is also expected to spark debate among technology companies, parents and digital rights advocates regarding enforcement methods, privacy concerns and the role of social media in modern communication.
The government has not yet released detailed legislation or a timeline for implementation. Further consultations with industry stakeholders, educators and child welfare groups are expected before the policy is finalised.
If approved, the measure would place the United Kingdom among a growing number of countries considering tougher regulations on children’s access to online platforms.
The announcement reflects increasing global efforts to address the impact of social media on young people and strengthen safeguards in the digital space as governments seek to balance technological access with child protection concerns.